Salman Agha Revisits Handshake Controversy with Suryakumar Yadav from Asia Cup 2026
Salman Agha still sulking over handshake controversy involving Suryakumar Yadav: 'We shook hands at press conference'
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan's T20I team, has revisited the handshake controversy involving India's Suryakumar Yadav during the Asia Cup 2026. Yadav declined to shake hands as a gesture of solidarity following a terror attack, a decision that Agha found surprising despite prior handshakes at press events.
- 01Salman Agha highlighted the handshake controversy from the Asia Cup 2026, where Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands.
- 02The incident occurred in the context of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan due to a recent terror attack.
- 03Agha was informed beforehand about the no-handshake policy at the toss but expressed disappointment over the situation.
- 04He emphasized the importance of gestures in sports, especially as players serve as role models for younger audiences.
- 05The controversy was compounded by India's refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
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Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan's T20I team, has brought attention back to the handshake controversy that occurred during the Asia Cup 2026. This incident arose when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted not to shake hands with Agha before a match, citing solidarity with victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 lives. The tournament was held amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to Indian players avoiding handshakes in all three matches, including the final, which India won. Agha discussed the issue on an ARY podcast, revealing that handshakes had occurred during the pre-tournament press conference and trophy photoshoot, making Yadav's refusal at the toss unexpected. Despite being informed beforehand about the no-handshake policy, Agha expressed disappointment, stating that gestures like handshakes are important for setting a positive example, especially for younger fans. The controversy was further complicated by India's refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, during the post-match presentation, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
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The handshake controversy reflects the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, affecting sportsmanship and diplomatic relations.
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